Underfloor Heating Systems – Electric & Water Solutions

Underfloor heating is an efficient and modern way to heat residential and commercial properties, providing even warmth across the entire floor surface. There are two main types of underfloor heating systems: electric underfloor heating and water-based underfloor heating. Both systems are designed to improve comfort while reducing energy waste compared to traditional heating methods.

At Colchester Heating Solutions, we  maintain and repair both systems, helping customers across Colchester and the surrounding areas and choose the most efficient solution for their property.

Electric Underfloor Heating Systems

Electric underfloor heating uses heating cables or mats installed beneath the floor finish to generate heat. This type of system is particularly suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, extensions, and retrofit projects due to its slim profile and fast response times.

Our underfloor heating engineers work with a wide range of electric systems, including:

• Electric heating mats 
• Foil heating systems 
• Loose wire systems 
• In-screed electric systems 

Electric underfloor heating offers precise temperature control and can be operated independently in each room.

Common Faults in Electric Underfloor Heating Systems (and How They’re Repaired)

Electric underfloor heating systems are generally reliable, but like any electrical installation, faults can develop over time. Understanding the most common issues helps identify problems early and choose the right repair approach.

1. Heating Not Working at All

Possible causes:

• Power supply issue or tripped circuit breaker

• Faulty thermostat

• Break in the heating cable

Repair options:

• Electrical testing to confirm power supply and continuity

• Thermostat replacement or reprogramming

• Locating and repairing cable breaks using thermal imaging or cable tracers

2. Cold Spots or Uneven Heating

Possible causes:

• Partial cable damage

• Poor installation or spacing of heating cables

• Insulation problems beneath the floor

Repair options:

• Thermal camera survey to locate inactive sections

• Localised floor lifting and cable repair

• Improving insulation where accessible

3. Thermostat Not Responding or Reading Incorrectly

Possible causes:

• Faulty floor sensor

• Thermostat failure

• Wiring connection issues

Repair options:

• Replacing the floor temperature sensor

• Rewiring loose or damaged connections

• Installing a new compatible thermostat

4. System Tripping the RCD or Circuit Breaker

Possible causes:

• Earth leakage from damaged heating cable

• Moisture ingress

• Insulation breakdown

Repair options:

• Insulation resistance testing to identify leakage

• Pinpoint repair of damaged cable sections

• Drying and sealing areas affected by moisture

5. System Works Intermittently

Possible causes:

• Loose electrical connections

• Failing thermostat or relay

• Expanding and contracting cable joints

Repair options:

• Full electrical inspection of connections

• Replacement of faulty control components

• Stabilising or re-terminating affected joints

How Electric Underfloor Heating Is Repaired

Most electric underfloor heating faults can be repaired without lifting the entire floor. Modern diagnostic tools allow engineers to locate cable breaks and insulation faults to within a few centimetres.

Common repair methods include:

• Precision fault location using test instruments and thermal imaging

• Localised tile or floor covering removal

• Specialist jointing and re-insulation of heating cables

• Final testing and certification to ensure safe operation

In many cases, a targeted repair restores full function at a fraction of the cost of a full system replacement.

Water-Based Underfloor Heating Systems

Water underfloor heating systems circulate warm water through a network of pipes installed beneath the floor. These pipes are connected to a central heat source via a manifold, delivering consistent heat across larger areas.

Because the heat is evenly distributed, water-based systems operate at lower temperatures than traditional radiators, making them a highly energy-efficient option. They are especially effective when combined with modern boilers or renewable technologies such as air source and ground source heat pumps.

Common Faults in Wet Underfloor Heating Systems (and How They’re Repaired)

Wet underfloor heating systems circulate warm water through a network of pipes beneath the floor. They are durable and efficient, but faults can occur in the pipework, controls, or heat source. Early diagnosis is key to preventing extensive damage and costly disruption.

1. Heating Not Working at All

Possible causes:

• Boiler or heat pump not operating correctly

• Circulation pump failure

• Control system or wiring fault

• Closed or stuck valves

Repair options:

• Checking and repairing the heat source and pump

• Testing and restoring power to control systems

• Replacing faulty actuators or zone valves

• Rebalancing and recommissioning the system

2. Cold Areas or Uneven Heating

Possible causes:

• Air trapped in the system

• Blocked or restricted pipe loops

• Poor system balancing

• Insufficient water temperature

Repair options:

• Bleeding and purging air from the system

• Power flushing blocked pipework

• Balancing flow rates across all zones

• Adjusting boiler or heat pump settings

3. Low Pressure or Frequent Pressure Loss

Possible causes:

• Leak in the pipework

• Faulty pressure relief valve

• Expansion vessel problems

• Loose fittings

Repair options:

• Pressure testing to confirm and locate leaks

• Repairing or replacing leaking pipe sections

• Replacing failed valves or expansion vessels

• Re-pressurising and sealing the system

4. Floor Not Reaching Set Temperature

Possible causes:

• Incorrect thermostat settings

• Mixing valve malfunction

• Undersized heat source

• Insufficient insulation

Repair options:

• Reprogramming or replacing thermostats

• Repairing or replacing blending/mixing valves

• Upgrading or reconfiguring the heat source

• Improving insulation where accessible

5. Noisy System (Gurgling, Knocking, or Whistling)

Possible causes:

• Air in the pipework

• High pump speed or turbulence

• Debris in the system

Repair options:

• System bleeding and air removal

• Adjusting pump speed and flow rates

• Flushing debris from the pipe loops

How Wet Underfloor Heating Is Repaired

Most wet underfloor heating faults can be diagnosed using pressure testing, thermal imaging, and flow measurements. Where leaks are suspected, modern equipment allows engineers to locate pipe damage accurately, often without lifting large areas of floor.

Typical repair methods include:

• Pressure testing and leak detection

• Localised floor opening to access damaged pipes

• Specialist pipe jointing and sealing

• Recommissioning, balancing, and performance testing

In many cases, targeted repairs restore full system performance without the need for full pipe replacement or extensive floor removal

Speak to Underfloor Heating Experts

If you’re underfloor heating is not working as it should be or need advice on electric or water-based systems, Colchester Heating Solutions are here to help. We provide professional guidance, and ongoing support to ensure long-term performance and efficiency.

Contact our team today to discuss your underfloor heating repair Colchester..